Families Come First in Thamesmead

It was celebration all around at The Link Thamesmead when families attended the Peabody Group’s Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities graduation (photos).

Peabody understands that being a parent can be one of the most rewarding jobs in the world but also one of the most challenging. To support families, Peabody runs a 13-week inclusive evidence-based parenting programme for expectant parents and parents of children aged up to 18, designed to promote good parenting and a better connection between parent and child.

The programme covers issues that parents face on a day-to-day basis including how to motivate their child/ren, how to build a better relationship with them and how to stop them going down the wrong track. How to empower and increase confidence of the parent to help them to achieve positive change in family relationships was also studied, as was the importance of community involvement.

Peabody’s Executive Director for Community Investment, Stephen Burns said: “Every parent wants their child to be healthy, happy and safe. The commitment these parents showed to improving their skills will undoubtedly benefit them and their families. They should be very proud of themselves.”

Thamesmead resident and course attendee, Bunmi Rachael Babalola said: “The course was wonderful and has changed the way in which I react. I used to see my daughter as a big person and not a small child – now I have learnt to talk to her as a child and look at things from a child’s perspective. This hasn’t just made me a better parent it has made me the best parent. I have told so many people I know about this course and I try and pass on what I have learnt to help them too. I really recommend this course to everybody.”

Ebennuwah Hillary Ebele said: “The course has helped me with my communication skills. I now get along better with my children and treat them according to their age range and understand them more.”

Adefunke Ogunleke added: “The course is so supportive and so educative. It gives you knowledge about parenting skills and information about what your children need from you, how to understand them and talk to them if they do something wrong. It has helped me to become a role model to my children and has taught us all about culture and helping us to improve our parenting skills and what is right for our children.”

Families wishing to find out more about the next Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities course taking place in Thamesmead (starting April 2015) should contact Trust Thamesmead’s Senior Community Development Officer, Lisa Ann Newton, T: 020 8320 4470.